On paper, it looks like the new Genesis G70 may just be a rebadged Kia Stinger. Plus, the two cars don’t actually share as much as you may expect. Genesis brought us out to Portland, Maine to drive the 2019 Genesis G70 to Club Motorsports, a private track in New Hampshire. We had the chance to drive the car both on the curvy backroads of the Northeast, and on a 2.5-mile track with 250 feet of elevation change. Here is what you need to know about Genesis’ all-new entry-level sedan.
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Styling
Many of you will be interested to hear that the Genesis G70 actually shares no body panels with the Kia Stinger. Head of Genesis design Luc Donckerwolke was adamant about the fact that the Genesis G70 Design process took zero influence from its Kia branded chassis sibling. Looks are always subjective, but the G70’s sharp lines and elegant curves give the car an athletic appearance while still looking like a traditional sedan.
Performance
There are two choices of engine for the Genesis G70. The smaller engine is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to either the rear wheels or all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the RWD 2.0-liter car also has the option of a 6-speed manual transmission.
The big engine is a 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Power is again sent to the rear wheels or all four through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Genesis G70 offers adaptive suspension and multiple drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart and Custom. Each tailors the transmission, throttle response and steering for better efficiency or a more direct driving experience.
Utility
Compared to the Kia Stinger, the Genesis G70 is almost 4 inches shorter in overall length and wheelbase. This has some drastic effects on interior space and cargo volume. Headroom is not an issue, but room in the back seat is a bit tight. 10.5 cu-ft of trunk space isn’t huge, but it will handle a few suitcases or a set of golf clubs.
Competition
The 2019 Genesis G70 sits in a very competitive class, but offers a very unique option within that realm. It is a midsize luxury sedan, so it competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Infinity Q50 and the Acura TLX. Though there are only two cars of those that offer rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the BMW and Cadillac. In this sense, the Genesis G70 offers a fairly unique option in its class.
Value
The G70 feels decidedly more German than any of the non-European cars in its class. This is probably thanks to Genesis hiring a lot of people from Mercedes, Audi and BMW to help design and develop the car.
Genesis have yet to release final pricing. But, they told us the range would span from roughly $35,000 to $50,000. For that money, the G70 is a lot of car. There’s also the “Genesis Experience”, which offers a concierge service and remote diagnostics for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
G70 has loads of available tech features. Radar cruise control, lane keep assist, an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A heads-up display is also available.
Economy
Official fuel economy figures vary depending on your powertrain choice:
| Model | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
| 2.0L RWD (6 M/T) | 18 | 28 | 22 |
| 2.0L RWD (8 A/T) | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| 2.0L AWD (8 A/T) | 21 | 28 | 23 |
| 3.3L RWD (8 A/T) | 18 | 26 | 21 |
| 3.3L AWD (8 A/T) | 18 | 25 | 20 |
As you would expect, the small engine with the automatic transmission and RWD gives you the best MPG.
In our day with the car, driving mostly backroads, Nathan and I managed about 24 MPG with the AWD 3.3L V6.
Driving impressions are currently embargoed on the 2019 Genesis G70. Check back to TFLcar.com soon for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more videos on the all-new Genesis G70.
